Miami Beach considers expanding pre-k scholarship program to include three-year-olds

In a pivotal meeting held on June 11, 2025, the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee of Miami Beach discussed a significant expansion of the city's pre-kindergarten scholarship program. Currently, the program provides scholarships for 4-year-olds, covering 2.5 hours of pre-K schooling daily, supplementing the state's Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program. With a growing population of children aged birth to 19 in Miami Beach—up 34.3% since 2013—the committee is considering extending eligibility to include 3-year-olds.

Commissioner Dominguez highlighted the success of the existing program, which has grown from 57 scholarships to 225 over four years, reflecting a 400% increase in funding. The current scholarship offers up to $3,000 per child, benefiting 219 children in the upcoming school year. However, the committee noted that there is no universal funding for 3-year-olds, with existing options like Head Start limited to families meeting federal poverty guidelines.

The discussion revealed concerns about the educational framework for 3-year-olds, with some committee members suggesting that many existing programs resemble daycare rather than formal education. This raised questions about the potential impact on funding and competition between age groups for limited resources.

To address these challenges, the committee proposed a tiered scholarship system: 3-year-olds could receive up to $1,500, while 4-year-olds would maintain the $3,000 scholarship. This approach aims to keep the program within its current budget of $675,000 while expanding access to younger children. The committee emphasized the importance of supporting young families in Miami Beach, recognizing that quality childcare is a critical factor in attracting and retaining residents.

As the committee prepares to finalize its recommendations, the outcome of this initiative could reshape early childhood education in Miami Beach, providing essential support for families and fostering community growth. The proposal will be revisited in the upcoming budget discussions, with hopes of implementing changes for the 2026 school year.